Brian Williams Out; Abraham and Others Expected to Play

Brian Williams, who suffered a knee injury in the season finale against Carolina, did not practice on Friday. He has not practiced since suffering the injury and it would be unlikely for head coach Mike Smith to put him on the field without any practice in two weeks. Williams is officially listed as doubtful for the game, meaning that the team is 75 percent certain that he will not play.

Defensive end John Abraham (groin), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder), middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (limited), wide receiver Roddy White (knee) and safety Thomas DeCoud (ankle) all fully participated in practice and were listed as questionable for the game. All are expected to play.

With Williams likely out, second-year man Christopher Owens will take back over at nickel back.